UNRWA head Philip Lazzarini speaks at a meeting of the UN Security Council. The head of UNRWA called on the Security Council to support the agency amid “seismic changes” in the Middle East Peace and Security
Today there is an “insidious campaign” to end the activities of UNRWA, which will have serious consequences for international peace and security. This was stated by the Commissioner General of the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees, Philip Lazzarini, speaking at a meeting of the UN Security Council on Wednesday.
The dismantling of UNRWA amid “seismic changes” in the Middle East will have long-term consequences, the head of UNRWA has warned. Such a move would worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and accelerate the onset of famine.
UNRWA’s mandate is supported by the vast majority of UN member states, Lazzarini recalled. Still, the agency is under enormous strain, he said, and faces a campaign to oust it from Palestinian territory.
“Requests to allow aid to reach northern Gaza have been repeatedly rejected by Israel,” the UNRWA chief said. – Our employees are prohibited from participating in coordination meetings between Israel and humanitarian organizations. UNRWA premises and personnel have been attacked since the start of the war, resulting in the deaths of 178 agency personnel.”
Lazzarini demanded an independent investigation and accountability for those responsible for the “blatant disregard” for the status of aid workers, operations and sites protected under international law. Otherwise, he stressed, it would set a dangerous precedent and jeopardize humanitarian work around the world.
We must refuse to choose between sympathizing with the Palestinians or the Israelis, between showing compassion for the Gazans or the Israeli hostages…
“UNRWA was created 75 years ago as a temporary agency,” Lazzarini continued. – This was a temporary measure pending a political solution to the Palestinian issue. If the international community does commit to a political settlement, UNRWA will be able to restore its provisional status by providing education, primary health care and social support to all those in need. The Agency will be able to do this until the Palestinian Authority takes full control of these functions.”
Philippe Lazzarini concluded his speech by calling on Security Council members to defend UNRWA, commit to a “genuine political process,” and reject the dehumanization that thrives in current political rhetoric.
“We must refuse to choose between sympathizing with the Palestinians or the Israelis, between showing compassion to the Gazans or the Israeli hostages and their families,” the head of UNRWA emphasized. “Instead, we must recognize that Palestinians and Israelis share a long and profound experience of grief and loss. They equally deserve a peaceful and secure future.”